1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 860 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Reliant Kitten is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
